Georg Aumayr

Georg Aumayr

studied Communication at the University of Vienna. He wrote his master thesis from a perspective of social systems. He is working at the Johanniter as Head of Research and Innovation. He is member in several task groups for eHealth, disaster relief and Ambient Assisted Living. Also he is working in national international projects concerning these research topics. Georg Aumayr is also writing his PhD on Compliance of actors in the health system.

What fascinates you about your field of research?

What fascinates me most, is the variety and flexibility of a systemtheoretical approach for different research areas. Especially my expertise comes from my active time as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and my time within the pharmaceutical industry. I have a family background in the health sector and I had a very good time during my Civil Service as EMT at the Johanniter in Austria. To be active in a field, that directly affects people and has a direct impact to their life is fascinating. To be a researcher means to be part of building the future. How can’t this be fascinating?!

Where do you see or would like to see the field heading?

I would like to see systems thinking become much more a common ability, helping us to leave behind the linear primitive cause-effect interpretations and the resulting mistakes in reaction to complex situations, as they come with disaster management. A systemic view would help society to better anticipate and react to disasters.

Is there an author / thinker, whose work inspires you in your own work?

One author is not enough to describe an influence. Following principles of systems, there is a full environment stimulating our mind set. But how we process this stimulation, is completely up to us. So the most powerful stimulation for me was the diversity of authors during my studies. Starting with Sokrates and Platon to build a first systematic mind set, to Kirkegaard, who describes different systems of existentialism following a disposition of impact, process and evolvement to Luhmann and his theory of social systems. There is a broad variety and diversity that produces inspiration! Every paper can be a spark of inspiration.

What fascinates you about “Disasters: prevention, preparation and response”? In your own words: Why should people go there?

Disaster relief can be a measurement for the reliability of theories because in extreme situation, we are reduced to basic stimulus response actions and are at the foundation of social interaction. There is no room for failure and for fancy theories within this topic. If a theory works, it has a direct impact for planning and can save lives. If a theory is not practicable, it will be dropped instantly. It is a very clear line for researchers to follow. Every good reasoned theory can have a real life impact. This makes this topic just fascinating. People coming to this session will hopefully gain an insight into different perspectives – from scientists, practitioners and governments.